Richard B Russell State Park

Richard B Russell was a well known Georgian who was a Governor of Georgia and US Senator. This State Park is named after him and one of the few that has a lake (26,000+ acre) and golf course attached. Our son was signed up for a Georgia State Park Golf Tournament at Arrowhead Golf Course and we decided to camp at the attached Campground.

The Campground is on the small side with only 28 campsites. Each site has cable tv (bring a extra long coaxial cable!), water and electric. There is not sewer service but there are several grey water “stations” around the Campground for blue boys. The free dump station is near the entrance.

Our campsite had two tiered levels. We parked our trailer and truck on the “top” and a lower level was available to set up additional seating. The provided picnic table and fire ring is on the top level.

Top level of Campsite #3Lower Level below our Argosy

LOCATION – 4 Stars
Richard B Russell State Park is at the State lines of Georgia and South Carolina not really near anything. It’s about 2.5 hours Northeast of Atlanta off of I-85. It sits really far off the Interstate. Make sure to get gas and supplies before you come to this Campground. The closest gas is about 8 miles away.

Miles of road like this to get to the Campground.

Richard B Russell State Park is a Georgia State Park managed by a Park Ranger, who lives on-site, and a Volunteer Camp Host, who lives in a camper within the Campground. We found the Campground to be very clean including the bath house. Check-in was super easy and accomplished at the Main Office at the entrance to the park.

Tip: Checkout a State Park Pass at your local Georgia Library. Saves you the $5 Parking Fee.

CAMPSITE – 3 Stars
Not all of Georgia’s State Parks have “reservable” specific campsites. This State Park does! Our campsite was clean and included a 30 amp hookup along with water. There is a dedicated space filled with dusty pea gravel that holds the picnic table and a campsite fire ring. Our site did not have a trash can but there is a dumpster on the way out. The view of the Lake through the trees was simply perfection.

View from our picnic table

ATMOSPHERE – 2 Stars
The bath house was extremely clean and efficient. It is located in the middle of the Campground. We did not use the laundry but it’s available. Ice can be purchased at the Main Office for $2 a bag.

Lower tier Dining

There were many families and pets in campers and tents during our stay. Our Westie enjoyed napping with a view of the lake.

Nap time with a View of the Lake

Our Campsite had the “Shoreline Trail” next to it that traveled behind the back of our Argosy. At night, several times, people would scope the woods along this trail to find firewood. At first, it was a bit startling to see flashlights everywhere behind us. Eventually, we got use to the lights and noise. Campsites are fairly close to each other unless you have a pull through site.

Our neighbors

Amazingly, the Campground had free wifi. It was unsecured and a bit wonky. For instance, we could not text but we could send messages through Instagram. We have AT&T and had zero cell service at the Campground and Main Office. There was spotty cell service at the golf course Clubhouse…. very spotty.

Lola, the Yorkie, enjoying Sunset at the Lake

So why the low score for atmosphere? We found the bugs, especially biting bugs, spiders, ticks and flies, almost unbearable. Citronella did not help. It prevented you from enjoying the outdoors. Yes, I know part of camping is dealing with bugs but this place had an over abundance of it. It also had an over abundance of poison ivy everywhere! It is a true miracle that none of us came home with it.

CAVEAT:

The Atmoshere score should be at 4 Stars ✨ if you own a boat and use it at this Lake. The Lake is beautiful, calm and relaxing. The docks are in great shape!

Bath House

RETURN ON INVESTMENT
If you are looking to camp and golf together, Richard B Russell is a great option! The Lake is beautiful and you can easily fish off a floating dock or bring your boat (docks are first come, first served). Golfing during the Spring or Fall would be prime time. There is usually not a breeze to be found on this lakeside golf course. State Parks are such a good value that it is hard to beat the price elsewhere. Our biggest issue besides the bugs is that there is no sewer hookups. We do not travel with a blue boy.
EXTRAS – 3 Stars
Richard B Russell has a small beach area, hugely popular Disc Golf Course and a famous bridge to hike too. Geocaching, Rowing Lanes and Miles of hiking and biking trails are all within the park.

There is not a business center for work purposes. You would be hard pressed to accomplish any business at this park due to internet limitations.

The Camping Pups

Aren’t these pups adorable?!? I can only claim the two brown dogs as my own. Milo, the white pup, belongs to Coffee Around the Campfire blog owners. They were our camping friends this weekend. You’ all need to check out their blog for all kinds of fun Camping with Kids and Pets ideas!

Geocaching
Several Different Pricing Options/Sites. Book Online or Call Direct at tel: 800-864-7275
Spotty Wifi Connection.
No stores for supplies nearby. Closest Walmart is over 30 minutes away. Bring what you need because you won’t find a Camp Store here.

Golf
Arrowhead Golf Course is located with this State Park. It’s a good value for Juniors who pay only $5 + $12 cart fee for 18 holes. Many holes are on the Lake. The front nine is an open golf course with the back nine being links style.
Arrowhead Golf Course Review Coming Soon!

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Published by kitcatsz

I am a Professional Genealogist with Ancestry Journey.com, Mom to our son and Wife to the love of my life. Our family business is Camp - Golf - Eat.
Our passion is to explore and live life to the fullest. I believe in the journey and the destination. By Grace of God, I go.
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We are a lifestyle of travel where we experience the best the World has to offer in Camping, Golfing and Eating. We believe that great food and good conversation are always in style no matter how you choose to travel.